Another Labor Day has come and gone and that means it is Chamber membership renewal time once again. Our membership year runs from October 1 through September 30. We will continue our renewal incentive started a few years ago − sign up by September 30 and be entered into a drawing for $100 in Chamber Checks.

Jamestown Chamber dues continue to be one of the most affordable in the State. Non−profit membership is $90/year and business membership starts at $125/year & depends on your number of full−time employees.

We are asking our members to help us save on printing & postage (and the multiple reminders to renew your membership!). Visit the Chamber website to download a PDF of the 2009 membership application & mail in with your dues to Jamestown Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35, Jamestown, RI 02835.

Don’t forget to mail your dues by September 30 to be entered into a drawing for $100 in Jamestown Chamber Checks!

We say it every year, and of course, this year is no exception − Thank you to our members and the Jamestown community for making this the best “Night” fundraising event ever! Our annual fundaiser was held Friday, August 15th at Fort Getty with proceeds benefitting the Jamestown Community Theatre. Guests danced the night away to fantastic music by Forty Steps, and enjoyed food by Chopmist Charlie’s and wonderful desserts by Spinnaker’s Cafe.

A special thank you to everyone on the committee, chaired by John McCauley, for coordinating such a great event!

You’ve read updates on the Downtown Vision Process in The Jamestown Press, and we want to encourage the Jamestown community to get involved now. The Planning Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at Town Hall, 93 Narragansett Avenue. They have dedicated time at each meeting to discuss proposed changes and are seeking input from the community.

Although there will be community workshops before the Town Council approves the Commission’s recommendations, NOW is the time to give your input. Attend the Planning Commission meetings, contact one of the commissioners or Lisa Bryer, Town Planner, to see how your business, or even residence, could be affected. But first, find out more about the Vision Report and Downtown Design Guidelines by visiting the Town’s Planning website.

This year the Chamber has worked with the Jamestown Rotary to discuss continuing concerns the business community has had with the annual Columbus Day Bike Race. We thank the Jamestown Rotary for listening to our input and implementing what we hope will be successful improvements to parking and road access issues. This year’s bike race is scheduled for Monday, October 13 and we also thank the Rotary for promoting the Chamber and business community to this year’s participants.

2008/2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Vicki DeAngeli, Island Realty

Vice President Peter Brockmann, Brockmann & Associates

Secretary Mary Brittain, View This

Treasurer Debbie Goyette, The Purple Door Bead Shop

Tim Baker, Baker’s Pharmacy

John Collins, JHC Enterprises

Jane Lee,Jane Lee Design

Jeff McDonough, The Jamestown Press

Annie McIntyre,Casita Sea Glass

Make sure we have your web listing correct. Visit the Chamber website to verify your information & don’t forget to tell us when you have changes (new email, website, etc.).

And if you don’t already know, all tourism related businesses in Newport County receive a free listing on GoNewport.com. Visit their website to make sure you are listed and that your listing there is also correct. If you have any changes or need to get listed, contact Jan Hagerstrom of the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

We currently have 2 vacancies on the Chamber Board and are looking for members interested in serving on our Board. One opening is through March 2010 and the other is through March 2011. The Board meets the first Thursday of each month from 7:15 to 8:30 am at Jack’s Electric, 14 Clinton Avenue. Board members set the Chamber’s agenda, plan out our monthly member events & activities, and serve as “ambassadors” to our membership.

The Chamber’s mission is "to preserve and improve the quality of life in Jamestown and create an atmosphere of goodwill between the business community and the residents of Jamestown". Our Board members are the points of contact for our members to ensure our organization is meeting the needs and expectations of our membership.

If interested in serving on the Chamber Board, please contact Peter Brockmann.